From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-This biography concentrates on Clinton's early years and his lifelong preparation for the presidency. Cole includes little that is new, and repeats many of the same anecdotes and stories that have had so much press coverage. He is objective about his subject, mentioning some of the character issues that have plagued Clinton as well as praising some of his more positive attributes. The book ends with a brief overview of his first few months in office. The layout is attractive, but many of the black-and-white photographs have also been seen elsewhere. This is a better choice than Victoria Sherrow's very brief Bill Clinton (Dillon, 1993), and more personal than Zachary Kent's William Jefferson Clinton (Childrens, 1993). Libraries needing material on the president may wish to purchase this book, but those that own either of the other biographies can easily do without it.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. Although the subtitle suggests that Cole will discuss Clinton's presidential career, the author has chosen, instead, to focus on Clinton's life and achievements prior to the 1992 presidential election. Much of the same information can be found in Martin and Boyd's Bill Clinton: President from Arkansas , but Cole provides more anecdotes and more detail about Clinton's reforms in Arkansas and about issues raised during his tenure as governor. The tone of the biography is upbeat and very supportive, but Cole does discuss the problems Clinton has faced because of his draft status during the Vietnam War and because of his alleged marital infidelities. Readers will find this to be a very readable introduction and will appreciate the detailed chapter notes and the bibliography, which can serve as a springboard for further research. Part of the People to Know series, the volume is illustrated with black-and-white photographs, and a chronology is supplied. Chris Sherman
